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| > About Windsor > Community Groups > The Windsor Lions Club |
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The Windsor Lions Club
The Windsor Lions Club is part of the largest service organization in the world, Lions International. We were chartered in the town of Windsor 56 years ago and we continue to serve all the people of Windsor in a variety of ways.
Support to WILA, Food and Fuel banks, college scholarships for graduating seniors of Windsor High School, summer camp programs for special education children and adults are but a few. In 1998 we took on our biggest challenge. A challenge that every member enthusiastically supported.
"Every school age child is entitled to free eye care services and glasses if there is financial need"
We contacted the Windsor Board of Education and were put in contact with all the health professionals in the school system. Since that eventful day whenever one of these health professionals identify students from K to 12 with eye care needs the Windsor Lions step in. We have arrangements with a local optician who arranges the exam and the Lions pay all the bills. Prior to this, for over 30 years, the Windsor Lions assisted seniors for eye care exams and hearing aid exams, fittings and apparatus through the Town's Human Services Division. This new endeavor increased our fund raising needs dramatically.
Our major fundraisers through the year are the Lion's Arts and Crafts festivals on Columbus Day and Mother's Day weekend, Easter Plant Sale and the traditional Windsor Shad Derby. These plus public donations make up our yearly income.
Fundraising is not keeping pace with the rising costs of eye care and the increasing number of students participating in our program. This year we were notified of a program through the State of Connecticut. It is the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program through the Department of Revenue Services. We submitted our grant to the Town of Windsor and on June 19, 2006 it was presented to the Town Council at a Public Hearing and our application was approved. We applied for $5000.00.
That was the easy part. Now we must find companies in Windsor that will participate with us in the Neighborhood Assistance program. Any company or companies that can assist us in this donation will receive a tax credit in the amount equal to 60% of that which they contribute to the program. This credit would be taken against that companies state tax liability. Any corporation wanting to assist the Windsor Lions must submit an application, Form NAA-02, to the Department of Revenue Services before October 2, 2006. The contribution must be is cash, and needs to be made in the corporation's income year that corresponds to the same year as the approved program. Interested companies are encouraged to go to www.drs.state.ct.us for the application and more details. I am also available to talk with any interested parties for more details about the Windsor Lions Club and the NAA program.
Yours in Lionism,
Louis E. Morando
Chairman, Windsor Lions Eye Care Program
Home: 860-688-7793 Office: 860-295-8241
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